Mission

The mission of the Swallowtail and Birdwing Butterfly Trust is to conserve and protect members of the Papilionidae, a worldwide family of more than 550 species that include the largest, most spectacular and most endangered butterflies on the planet.

We achieve this in four ways: we raise financial resources; convene networks and partnerships; catalyse action, and provide scientific and technical support to conservation projects.

Our work is generally planned and executed in the context of wider butterfly faunas, their foodplants, and the ecosystems that they inhabit.

In legal terms the Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered in England, UK (Charity Number 1174142), whose formal constitution, dated 9 May 2017, describes the wider scope and objects of the Trust as follows:

“The objects of the CIO are for the advancement of environmental protection and improvement, including preservation and conservation of the natural environment and the promotion of sustainable development, in particular for the protection of swallowtail and birdwing butterflies and other Lepidoptera, by means including but not restricted to education, scientific research, preservation, improvement and creation of habitat, captive breeding and sustainable management in the UK and worldwide.”

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Latest News

Two Master’s students, Susie Hills and Hamish Lillywhite are starting work on the conditions needed by the British Swallowtail and its foodplant, Milk-parsley, in East Anglia’s fens. Their projects are a direct result of our 2017 workshop, the first step in a partnership between SBBT and the University of East Anglia’s School of Biological Sciences.

John Parnell, a retired entomologist who developed a passion for the magnificent Homerus Swallowtail when he worked as a lecturer in Jamaica, has agreed to take up an honorary position spearheading SBBT’s work on the species. John joins the Trust as our vital conservation work to rescue the species continues.

SBBT is delighted to announce World Swallowtail Day, taking place this year on Sunday 9th June. All are welcome to register their local event or come to Wheatfen Reserve in Norfolk for the global launch. Reserves, zoos, butterfly houses and botanical gardens worldwide will join hands to celebrate swallowtails and birdwings and help us to promote conservation projects.

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OUR APPEAL

Swallowtails and birdwings are beautiful and graceful butterflies – who wouldn’t love to see them dancing in the sunlight or sipping nectar from wildflowers? But many species are under threat from agriculture, forestry and climate change. We have ideas, enthusiasm and a vision for the future. Will you help us to achieve our goals?

GIVING

Financial contributions are welcome and will be treasured. We also need your ideas, new information, suggestions and encouragement!